Local sports fans will be able to enjoy 24 hours of sports action when Astro Arena, a fully sports channel on Astro is launched on March 26.Astro Arena, to be aired on Astro's channel 801, would be showing Malaysians competing in the SEA Games, the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, Asian Games in Guangzhou, China and the Youth Olympics in Singapore.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said Astro Arena can play an important role in the development and promotion of sports in the country as the nation aspires to excel regionally and internationally.
"The timing of the launch is perfect as the Education Ministry will be introducing various activities for school children under the 1 student, 1 sport initiative," said Ahmad Shabery during the launch.
Ahmad Shabery said the future of Malaysian sports depends largely on coverage from the media to reach the masses while the sports itself had contributed tremendously to the economy of the country.
"Sports is a huge industry and has its own economic sectors and provides a platform for sports science experts, athletes, sports insurance companies to earn big money," he said.
Measat Broadcast Network Systems chief executive officer Datuk Rohana Rozhan said Astro Arena was able to fulfill the demand for sports content in the country through live telecast of local and international sports events.
In efforts to draw interest of the younger generation, we have roped local sports personalities like Datuk Lee Chong Wei (badminton), Esther Cheah (bowling), Mohd Zaquan Adha (football) and P. Mariappan (Paralympics) to be our Astro Arena Ambassadors, she said.
Perhaps Astro Arena should have the likes of Sazali Abdul Samad (bodybuilder) to be their Ambassador too. A 5 times Mr. Universe & 2 times Sportsman of the Year award winner.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a good move for Malaysian sports. I love the speeches made especially by Tunku Imran of OCM , he have got class man! Diepite the fact the fact that there is a group in MCA ( Criket la) asking him to resign.
ReplyDeleteWhat I like most is the purpose of Astro Arena is to not only highlight the high profile sports like Badminton but also the local sports like Silat and Sepak takraw.
Lets see if they truly live up to their claims.
hoooray!! i'm glad to Astro Arena showing our Malaysian athletes in action in those competitions..how about MSL & MPL??? (curious2~)
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